President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, now on a visit to South Africa, has lauded the close relationship between the two countries. Unveiling the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the Constitutional Court Complex of South Africa in Johannesburg today she said the two nations not only share the history against colonialism, racialism and tyranny but also commitment to democracy and rule of law. Both the countries are promoting global peace and security, social justice besides cooperating in the war on poverty and unemployment.

She said, India and South Africa are also upholding fundamental principles of peace, non-violence and dialogue to maintain the global order of equality and justice based on Gandhian values.

Mrs. Patil said that South Africa is a country with which India has very deep rooted links. People of India owe a deep sense of attitude to South Africa for giving India “The Mahatma”. Mrs. Patil left for Capetown this evening.